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Indy Lights series unveils 2015 chassis

May 22, 2014

The Dallara IL-15 was unveiled on Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo by Indy Lights

The Dallara IL-15 chassis, which will be used in the 2015 Indy Lights series, was unveiled Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions, which oversees all aspects of the Mazda Road to Indy, attended that unveiling ceremony in front of the IMS Pagoda.

"This is an important day in the tremendous history of Indy Lights," said Andersen. "Choosing Dallara as our chassis partner for the new Indy Lights car has turned out to be a great decision. They have crafted a state-of-the-art race car with the latest technology and safety enhancements which will provide the necessary training as we develop the next crop of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers.

"It is clear to me that they can build both beauty and quality into their cars while keeping costs in line. We've ended up with a very high end spec car which we believe will be enjoyable for our competitors to drive and very fast."

The 2015 Dallara IL-15 will be assembled in Speedway, Ind., near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo by Indy Lights

The Dallara IL-15 has been a collaborative effort between Dallara's headquarters in Varano de' Melegari, near Parma, Italy, and Dallara LLC, in Speedway, Ind., where all cars will be assembled.

It boasts a state-of-the-art carbon composite chassis, constructed to the very latest FIA and IndyCar safety standards, and will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged AER engine producing 450 HP capable of reaching speeds of 200 mph. Additional features include a six-speed, paddle-shift transmission, a 50 HP "push-to-pass" feature, "drive-by-wire" throttle control and advanced engine management electronics.

It was also announced that as part of the commitment to assisting drivers progress all the way from the grassroots of the sport via the Mazda Road to Indy, the 2015 Indy Lights champion will be guaranteed a three-race program in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series, including an entry in the 100th Indianapolis 500.

American GP2 racer Conor Daly is expected to take the first laps in the new Indy Lights car on Aug. 5 at Mid-Ohio. Photo by Indy Lights

"Indy Lights is a pivotal step in the Road to Indy ladder system and today's unveiling of the new Dallara chassis is a key advancement in the evolution of the series," said Mark Miles, Hulman & Company CEO. "IndyCar has a long history with Dallara and the partnership is instrumental in our long-term goals of continued developments in safety, innovation and a thrilling on-track product."

An initial shakedown test of the new car will be conducted at Varano, Italy, on July 15, after which development will continue at a variety of tracks in the United States. Indianapolis native, Indy Lights race winner and current GP2 driver Conor Daly will be responsible for the first test in the U.S. on Aug. 5, following the Indy Lights race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.